Joe Thornton, 44, officially retires from NHL after 24-year career
Joe Thornton has officially announced his retirement from the NHL following a 24-year career as one of the game's top playmakers. The 44-year-old Thornton hadn't played since the 2021-22 season with Florida but hadn't made an official declaration about his plans until releasing a video on Saturday through the San Jose Sharks.
![Joe Thornton, 44, officially retires from NHL after 24-year career](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7011851.1698535354!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/joe-thornton-25022023.jpg)
![Joe Thornton, seen during the ceremony to celebrate former teammate Patrick Marleau, officially announced he's retiring from the NHL at age 44 on Saturday. A man waves to the crowd with the other hand in his pocket as he's seen walking into a hockey ice rink.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7011851.1698535354!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/joe-thornton-25022023.jpg)
Joe Thornton has officially announced his retirement from the NHL following a 24-year career as one of the game's top playmakers. The 44-year-old Thornton hadn't played since the 2021-22 season with Florida but hadn't made an official declaration about his plans until releasing a video on Saturday through the San Jose Sharks.